My Account
A Northland family business with nearly 70 years’ experience in the lime and fertiliser industry has taken over the Port Albert lime quarry.
Avoca Lime was started by Jim Manderson in Dargaville in 1948 and now has four lime quarries and fertiliser stores across Northland. Jim’s son, Bryce Manderson, now owns the business. After studying at Lincoln University, Bryce developed a passion for helping farmers through Avoca, where he has worked for the past 33 years.
“Northland is a very tough area for farmers and horticulturalists, with wet winters and dry summers, Bryce says.
“The soil is also very acidic, which reduces the availability of nutrients to pasture and crops. Lime helps get that balance right and is a cost effective and proven way to improve production and reduce the amount of fertiliser needed.
“Too often we see farmers applying loads of fertiliser, but without addressing pH levels, it’s not going to have the desired effect.”
The company has employed an additional lime and fertiliser consultant to help Mahurangi farmers address these issues. The consultant is available to conduct soil tests to create a lime/fertiliser mix to suit different farms.
Former quarry owners Peter and Imelda Booth have run Port Albert Limeworks for the past 12 years and would like to thank their customers for their loyal support.
“It is time to pass the reins onto a new set of hands that have the skills and resources to build on what we have already created,” Peter says. “We are proud of the business and the reputation for quality limestone we have developed.
“However, the time is right for us to focus on other things but we are very pleased to see a longstanding family orientated company like Avoca takeover the quarry operation.”
Peter and Imelda intend to concentrate their efforts on their earthmoving business.
Site manager Peter Barnaby has been employed by Avoca and will continue to run the site.
